The Fiber Network Technician sets up cable, internet, phones and other telecommunications equipment for multiple service providers. They often service businesses, schools, homes and other locations. Technicians maintain and fix cable installations as needed to keep them in working condition.
Fiber technicians install and repair the cable lines that transmit television and internet data for a client’s private and public use. Due to the requirements and duties of the position, these technicians are often referred to as fiber network field technician and fiber optic network technicians.
Fiber networks, a mission-critical technology, utilize thread and glass as a means of transmitting data. Optical fiber offers a much larger digital data transmission capacity than metal cables.
Job Description
At times, Fiber technicians work at a client designated location. They work in an array of buildings, from small to multi-story office buildings. Large telecom companies that provide highly specialized backbone network services often hire these technicians.
Technicians add to existing cable lines. They execute maintenance on existing cable, along with evaluating and restoring older and out-of-service cables. Technicians perform other fixes as needed. Technicians also maintain and install network systems for secured lines and outline solutions for the issues that impair the normal operation of services.
Fiber Network Technicians are commonly hired by Telecommunications organizations that provide Internet and television services for personal and official uses. The Technicians fix new cable lines, both concealed below the ground and on telephone poles. They also perform the regular upkeep on existing fiber cables as well as assessment tests and refurbishing the old or malfunctioning cables
Fiber Network Technicians cut and splice fiber optic wires, trace challenging areas and execute other maintenances as required by the business. Technicians are also involved to set up and maintain network systems for private lines and fix solutions for any problems stopping the service from normal operations.
Technicians use fiber optic materials to connect customers to the Wide Area Network. They also set up router and telecom equipment and connect them to the client’s network.
Educational Requirements
Qualifications depend on organizational need. This position requires at least a high school diploma or a corresponding degree. Candidates should possess relevant experience in the field with a basic working knowledge of fiber networks. Employers now frequently require a certificate in fiber technology.
Certification
Companies will occasionally need their network technicians to be certified before they are finalized, particularly if the position demands dedicated work. If the technicians are already employed, then they may also enroll in certificate courses to enhance their knowledge, and value-add to their careers or learn new skills.
Many businesses, such as The Society of Cable and Telecommunications Engineers and the Telecommunications Industry Association offer these certifications. In the future, positions for fiber network technicians will be extremely competitive. Potential professionals should have extensive familiarity with telecommunications technology to keep up the pace.
The top certification is the FOA CFOT. Another desired certification is the ETA (Electronics Technician Association).
The FOA is known as the international Fiber Optic Association. The FOA provides standard guidelines for global training requirements. Professionals can make use of the FOA approved school. Experts provide training by seasoned Fiber Network Technicians who are already members of the FOA. Post completion of the training the assessment should be taken as a final step towards the certification.
Skills
Telecom companies at present continue to upgrade their networks to fiber optic technology. Fiber networks can transmit a massive amount of data more efficiently than a copper cable network. Skilled professionals remain a requirement in the implementation of this technology.
Most of the organizations now pick for fiber optic technique above old copper wires because they can maintain a more massive amount of data. However, these new fiber systems need skilled, experienced technicians. Fiber network technicians require extensive technical exercise as they work on complex switching equipment.
Most of the network technician in the network engineering field are required to lift heavy equipment to a certain level, climb the poles and adjusting into small spaces during the duty hours. Fiber Network Technician also need a general knowledge of electrical procedure and understanding with the devices and tools used in the field.
An expert level of fiber optic cabling knowledge will help you stand out in the global marketplace. Also, a candidate should possess experience with cable splicing as well as system program installation.
Fiber Network Technician Salary
The average salary of Fiber Technician, as per payscale, ranges from $30,845 to $73,803 per year.
A certified Fiber Technician has a lot of market value when compared to other professionals. Either full time or freelance, this position boasts significant potential in the global marketplace. Working as a freelancer can be a rewarding opportunity that can take your career to the next level.
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